How to Paint a Kitchen White With Brown Trim

A white kitchen does not have to be cold and clinical looking.

White is most commonly used as an accent color to reflect light and brighten a space and is also the most commonly used color for ceilings, to give a room a sense of height. As the main color scheme in your interior decor, white is the most efficient color at making a small room appear larger, though it can appear a little cold and clinical. By combining different white hues and adding interest with pattern and texture, however, a white room can be a calm and serene space -- especially when teamed with brown woodwork and trim.

Walls

For the painted areas, opt for a satin or eggshell finish as this reflects light and is easy to wipe clean. Use a different hue to the white of cupboards or work surfaces. Creating an accent wall with a white wallpaper adds visual interest. A brown-colored pattern will create a cohesive look by tying in the brown trim, or you can opt for a more subtly colored pattern. Introducing a mosaic tile among the white ones adds interest, as does using a colored grout such as black. For the trim, use a light shade of brown to maintain a light and airy atmosphere. In a larger room, the use of white allows you to choose a darker shade of brown.

Floor

A wooden or flagstone floor lends a white and brown kitchen a country cottage vibe, and with both materials available in a wide range of colors, you can either keep it light or add depth with a slightly darker color. Subway tiles are another option and offer a somewhat unusual flooring as they are most commonly seen on walls. Vinyl flooring is a cost-friendly alternative to wood, flagstones and tiles and is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Furniture

White-painted wooden furniture creates a real country cottage look, especially when teamed with gingham fabrics and floral patterns. You can also stencil detailing such as a floral pattern in brown to maintain a cohesive look. To create a farmhouse kitchen vibe, add a large, rustic wood table as the focal point of the room. Using rustic wooden furniture creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere and doesn't affect the lightness of the room. For a more modern vibe, choose simple modern furniture featuring clean lines and little to no detailing and embellishment.

Accessories

The accessories you add to your kitchen depend on the style of your decor. Add plenty of texture with the fabrics used for areas such as window dressings and seat cushions. When adding items such as kettles and toasters, either stick with the white color scheme, opt for silver for a modern room or use these items as an opportunity to add a splash of really bold and bright color. Dress the table with a combination of white and brown to maintain the cohesion of the room, and don't be afraid to add splashes of rich creams to add a touch of warmth to the white.

About the Author

Based in England, Tami Mason writes for Local.com and various other websites. Mason has worked as a proofreader and copy editor since 2007 and is a trained interior designer who also specializes in art history, art and crafts.